Energy Management during Winter Break

Posted by Keith Watkins

Dec. 19, 2013

This is an operational notice advising that Oberlin College will reduce normal facility use significantly during the upcoming holiday period from Tuesday, December 24, 2013, until Wednesday, January 1, 2014. This reduction of all but necessary and essential services is undertaken to support key energy and sustainability objectives:

Reduce utility and energy expenditures in unoccupied buildings and those with limited usage and in turn decrease the amount of emissions from the central plant and the local electric company. The heating of these spaces beyond minimal levels is unnecessary. This responsible management of utilities conserves energy and reduces emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, an unavoidable by-product of fossil fuel combustion and the primary cause of climatic changes. In a leadership role in higher education, Oberlin College continues to strive for consumption or demand reduction to lower carbon dioxide emissions.

The list at the end of this bulletin identifies the temperature levels to be maintained during the holiday period, with buildings classified in three categories:

Continuous Use buildings will be maintained within normal temperature range, normally around 68 degrees F.

Not in Use buildings will be maintained at a setback low limit threshold of 50 degrees F.

Partial Use buildings will be maintained within normal temperature parameters during occupied periods while space temperatures will be allowed to drift to a setback low limit of 55-60 degrees F during unoccupied or nonuse periods.

Frequent monitoring of building temperatures will take place during the entire break period.

Though the schedule attempts to anticipate normal campus requirements and scheduled events during the break period, it is possible that certain activities and unique needs might have been overlooked. It is our intent that all critical needs be met when practical. Requests for exceptions should be directed to Keith Watkins, director of facilities operations, by campus e-mail. Please send any requests for exceptions prior to Thursday, December 22, 2011, in order to have adequate time for scheduling.

The curtailment efforts last year resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of fossil fuels consumed. We appreciate your continued support in helping Oberlin College conserve energy and eliminate wasteful practices.

Electric space heaters are available through the safety and security office on a limited basis (first come, first served). Space heaters may be signed out by providing general information and an Oberlin College ID at the Office of Safety and Security. The space heaters are Oberlin College property, meet out insurer’s specifications for safety, and are available for a limited time and in limited quantities. It is the responsibility of the individual borrowing the space heater to return it after each use.

Water conservation is important. Please ensure that water is not left on or running.